rate (as at the date of posting the information). The resultant adjusted price is then compared with the actual new car price of the same or similar model in Australia, also sourced from information available in from the public domain obtained by Drivefox via certain search engines on the Internet (such as Google).

Drivefox has spent a considerable amount of time in extracting the information from internet search engines and in the process has done its best, from such sources, to utilise as relatively widespread, logical and selective sample of car models from selected car manufacturers. However some models could not be used because an equivalent or comparative model is not available in either USA or Australia (as the case may be).

Drivefox attempts to illustrate and benchmark prices of comparative models of new cars i.e. the price of a given model sold in Australia is compared with the price of the same or similar model sold in the USA. In comparing models in this manner, Drivefox has attempted to compare models with the same or similar trim levels, technical specifications and certain other features.

Drivefox attempts to ensure that the car models in the graphs which are used for comparative purposes have similar power outputs, engine displacements, transmission and levels of luxury.

As much as possible, Drivefox has tried to avoid inappropriate comparisons, as shown in the following examples:

• The price of a basic model in Australia (e.g. with cloth seats and / or manual transmission) have not been compared with the price of the luxury version of the same model in the USA;
• All wheel drive models can only be compared with other all wheel drive models;
• The prices of models with the same name in both countries but with significantly different engine displacements have not been compared;
• The prices of models with the same name in both countries but with different transmissions (manual versus automatic) have not been compared;

• The prices of models with the same name in both countries but with different levels of performance enhancements have not been compared (e.g. the price of a model in Australia with a turbocharged engine has not been compared with the price of a model in the USA with the same engine displacement but no turbocharging).

The methodology used by Drivefox has been developed in an attempt to allow more meaningful comparisons of new car prices in Australia with new car prices of comparative car models in the USA, i.e. comparative car models adjusted for the AUD/USD exchange rate and relevant Australian taxes. We have attempted to use exchange rates and tax rates current as at the date of publication however, these rates fluctuate over time.

Users of this website should note that factors, other than taxes and the exchange rate, are not taken into consideration, when comparing new car prices in Australia with new car prices in the USA. The comparisons and graphs on this website should therefore be considered in this context and consumers should consider all relevant factors before making their own independent decision and assessment .

The graphs illustrate that there is a trend of substantial differences between new car prices in Australia and new car prices in the USA when the Drivefox comparative methodology is used. Drivefox appreciates that consumers need to be better informed when making their own decision to purchase a new car and we hope that they can be more informed when assessing the extent that Australian taxes are the reason for such significant price differential.

If you are concerned about the high prices of new cars in Australia, you may want to contact the Australian Productivity Commission.

© Copyright Drivefox Pty Ltd

Information, data and graphs about prices and products has been extracted from third parties sites on the Internet and is for informational purposes only. Drivefox does not represent or warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information, and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use.